Nest, Ring, Arlo. The names are no longer unfamiliar. The smart home and more specifically, home security, has gone beyond locking your front door and jamming a stick in the sliding glass door rail. As with much of technology and innovation, there are many schools of thought. In the case of security cameras, there are basically two schools of thought: cameras catch bad guys vs. cameras are too intrusive and invade privacy. Let’s discuss.
According to the FBI, in 2015, a little under 8 million property crimes occurred in the US. More specifically, when it comes to home burglaries, criminals broke a window or door to get in a home in 57.9% of cases. Interestingly, 60% of convicted burglars said that before breaking in, they considered whether or not a home had a security system.
No one wants to come home to find their home broken into. Anyone who has been a victim of a property crime will tell you they feel violated and frightened. Thankfully, there are myriad ways to protect your home and property, and of course your family. Alarms, motion-triggered lights, real (or fake) barking dogs, and more. Of all the options, security cameras are perhaps the most controversial.
Most people are familiar with the concept of security cameras. The small, weather-proof devices are hung on a home’s exterior and the feed is viewed by a smart phone app. And depending on the camera settings, a user is notified when the camera detects motion, a burglar trying to break in or porch pirate trying to steal a package,for example. New technology, however, has made it possible for folks to share their personal security camera feeds with their neighbors, which is opening up an entirely new proverbial can of worms.
“There are definitely two opposing views of security cameras in neighborhoods,said DeWolf, FRONTSTEPS VP of Product and Business Development. “Some think they are too much like Big Brother while others are more concerned with doing their part to prevent crime on their personal property and ultimately in their neighborhoods.nbsp;
Either way, cameras are here to stay as is the concept of homeowners protecting what is typically the largest investment one will make. Additionally, feeling safe if your own home is paramount. Would you share your security camera feed with your neighbors? And where does all that footage go? Does anyone view it and curate it so inappropriate video isn’t released publicly or used against someone?
“All valid questions,said DeWolf. When it comes to cameras, what would you do if your neighbor asked for access to your feed?
Interested in learning more about how to secure your neighborhood? Download our checklist, “7 Tips to Properly Secure Your Community.”
